Extreme Heat Can Impact Your Health

A Heat Health Alert is issued by Department of Health and Human Services when there is a prolonged period of excessive heat forecast in the State of Victoria which is likely to have an impact on human health.

These extreme heat events can also affect community infrastructure such as power supply, public transport and other services.

Extreme heat can make existing medical conditions worse and cause a heat – related illness, which may be fatal. The most important things to remember are:

Block out the sun at home during the day by closing curtains and blinds

Don’t leave children or animals in parked vehicles

Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day

If you must go out, wear light coloured, loose fitting clothing and a hat

Eat smaller meals more often and cold meals such as salads. Make sure you store refrigerated food properly and discard if it has been out of adequate temperature control for more than 4 hours.

Avoid strenuous activity such as sport, home improvements and gardening

Watch or listen to news reports that provide more information during a heatwave

It is likely that extreme heat events will occur in conjunction with severe, extreme and Code Red Fire Danger days. Always remain up to date with Fire Warnings for your local area and act in accordance with your Fire Ready Plan.

Heat related illness

Extreme heat may cause illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It may also worsen pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.